By Tashi McQueen AFRO Staff Writer tmcqueen@afro.com State Del. Malcolm P. Ruff (D-District 41) officially announced Aug. 21 that he will run for a seat in the Maryland General Assembly in the 2026 election. Ruff is running for a Senate seat in District 41, which is located entirely in Baltimore City at its northwest corner, […]
Tag: Maryland General Assembly
Posted inOpinion
The case for reparations in Maryland: What happens now?
Ryan Coleman is former president of the Randallstown NAACP. This week, he addresses the best ways to ensure a prosperous future of Black Marylanders.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore vetoes slavery reparations study, citing need for ‘the work itself’
By Brian WitteThe Associated Press ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced May 16 he will veto a measure to create a commission to study potential slavery reparations in the state, saying that while it was a difficult decision, the issue already has been studied and now is the time “to focus on […]
Posted inMaryland News
Gov. Moore signs order to reform in-custody death investigations in Maryland
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signed an executive order to reform in-custody restraint-related death investigations following an audit that exposed serious failures within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The order establishes a task force, directs case reviews, and advances oversight and transparency to rebuild public trust and ensure accountability.
Posted inMaryland News
Moore approves major school funding legislation at third bill signing of 2025
Governor Wes Moore signed the Excellence in Maryland Public Schools Act to improve education and tackle the state’s teacher shortage through updated funding and support. Although there were proposed budget cuts, lawmakers restored money for community schools, which mainly serve low-income and Black students across Maryland.
Posted inMaryland Government
Maryland General Assembly legislators work to finalize bills on last day of session
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com Maryland legislators worked throughout the day to pass as many bills as they could before session ended at midnight on April 7. The legislative session was an eventful one with drastic federal actions looming over Maryland and balancing the budget remaining the topic of discussion throughout the 2025 session. Around […]
Posted inBaltimore News
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore releases annual ‘State of Downtown’ report
By Megan SaylesAFRO Staff Writermsayles@afro.com The Downtown Partnership of Baltimore (DPOB) unveiled its 2024 State of Downtown report on March 20. The annual analysis provides updates on key indicators of the health of Baltimore’s Central Business District, including data on employment, tourism, employment, vacancies and public safety According to DPOB’s president, Shelonda Stokes, downtown is […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Crossover Day marks progress for Maryland’s Second Look ActÂ
Maryland lawmakers worked through crossover day, passing key bills, including the Second Look Act, which allows certain offenders to petition for reduced sentences. Despite strong opposition from House Republicans, the bill now moves to the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee for further review.
Posted inMaryland Government
Deadline looms as Maryland caucuses push for key diversity and equity bills
By Tashi McQueenAFRO Staff Writertmcqueen@afro.com One week before the Maryland General Assembly’s crossover deadline, six legislative caucuses held a historic joint press conference. On March 10 the legislators came together to advocate for policies promoting diversity, equity and economic stability. If the bills they support do not pass by the deadline, they are unlikely to […]
Posted inMaryland Government
Fired federal workers could see relief under proposed Maryland bills
State Del. Jazz Lewis and State Sen. Nick Charles are pushing legislation to provide more resources for federal workers who have been laid off due to the Trump-Musk administration’s initiative to cut “wasteful” federal spending.
Posted inMaryland News
Maryland must produce more electricity
Maryland’s reliance on imported electricity and its push for renewable energy sources could lead to widespread reliability risks, prompting the need for urgent action by the Maryland General Assembly to delay the closure of coal facilities and accelerate the growth of renewables.
Posted inMaryland Government
Moore unveils plan to help laid-off federal workers in Maryland
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced an initiative to support federal workers impacted by recent mass layoffs, including a Black Army veteran who was laid off just days after receiving an email notifying him of his termination.
